Skin infections spike as intense cold weather grips Kashmir

Hospitals across Kashmir are flooded with huge rush of patients with complains of rough, dry and itchy skin due to continuous exposure to dry and cold weather as the Valley is reeling under intense cold and dry weather conditions with the night temperature dipping several notches below the freezing point while the day temperature is above normal due to sunny days.

The present weather conditions are also giving rise to several ailments, particularly among children, who are more prone to the dry weather condition-related health problems such as asthma, sore throat and cold sores, which have further aggravated due to the present dry spell.

The dry and cold weather conditions have led to increase in respiratory diseases among people across Kashmir, and thus, Valley hospitals are receiving huge rush of patients, including children, with weather-related ailments.

The doctors have advised people, especially children and elderly, to avoid coming out from their houses in the morning and evening hours.

Dr. Nazeer Ahmed, Medical Superintendent at Jawahar Lal Nehru Memorial Hospital, Srinagar, said, "The footfall in our OPD (Outpatient Department) has increased, because of increasing number of common cold and cough, common respiratory tract infections, because of this common cold."

"The dry weather is a common phenomenon in winters; but this year, there is sub-zero temperature and cold wave sweeping through the Valley. Normally, we keep our doors and windows closed in the winter, if an elderly person or a child gets infected, then it spreads in the family. That is why, we urge people to keep their windows open for at least for an hour or two in the day for fresh air, but they should keep themselves warm," he added.